One photo posted to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s social media appears to confirm ongoing reports that he plans to leave Congress early — perhaps by the end of this year — despite an earlier denial.
Earlier this week, sources told Axios that McCarthy is currently struggling with a decision on whether to stay or leave early but that he is leaning toward the latter. If he decides to step aside, that could happen before January, they noted.
“I have another week or so to decide because if I decide to run again, I have to know in my heart I’m giving 110%,” McCarthy said during The New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, referring to California’s Dec. 8 filing deadline, Axios reported.
“I have to know that I want to do that. I also have to know if I’m going to walk away, that I’m going to be fine with walking away. And so I’m really taking this time now,” he added, per the outlet.
He has also privately told donors he is looking to “get the hell out,” according to a source familiar with the conversation.
Now, a photo has surfaced that appears to substantiate the speculation. In it, McCarty is seen in his California office with his two dogs, and to some, it appears as though he’s already begun packing up.
View this post on Instagram
“Speculation over McCarthy’s potential departure escalated ahead of the Thanksgiving recess, with multiple GOP sources noting he posted a photo on Instagram in which his district office appeared to be in the process of being packed,” Axios noted.
Axios noted further: “Speculation over McCarthy’s potential departure escalated ahead of the Thanksgiving recess, with multiple GOP sources noting he posted a photo on Instagram in which his district office appeared to be in the process of being packed. Multiple Republicans raised concerns that California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom could hold McCarthy’s seat open if he decides to resign in the new year. The GOP’s razor-thin majority is already on the verge of being diminished further by the potential expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) in a vote expected on Friday.”
McCarthy’s potential decision to leave sooner rather than later follows his removal by all Democrats and eight Republicans earlier this fall, which left the chamber paralyzed with only an acting Speaker who lacked the authority to bring legislation to the floor for votes.
Eventually, House Republicans came together and elected Mike Johnson (R-La.) to replace McCarthy.
Some sources told Axios that McCarthy’s demotion isn’t sitting well with him after a years-long stint as the GOP leader and then as Speaker.
“The image in the rearview mirror is getting smaller by the day,” one lawmaker told the outlet regarding the California Republican’s waning influence over the conference. “I don’t think he’s having a good time being a regular Joe.”
“I can’t imagine that Kevin wants to stick around. I’ll support him with whatever he wants to do,” another GOP lawmaker told Axios, adding that he “decentralized power” and “did a lot of really good things he doesn’t get nearly enough credit for.”
“I mean, why the hell would he stay?” another said.
“I suspect the former speaker will return to spend more time with the people he’s always represented—on Wall Street and K Street. I don’t imagine he’ll be walking the streets of Bakersfield,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who led the GOP rebellion against McCarthy.
“Damn shame,” said another critic of McCarthy, who speculated that he would use his large campaign war chest against House Republicans who helped oust him.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
